NVL Newcomers 26-27 part seven - Chelmsford

Club formed: 1984

Social media handles: @chelmsfordvolleyballclub (Instagram)

Website: www.facebook.com/ChelmsfordVC/

Chelmsford’s women's side will be making their NVL debut as genuine newcomers this year - the team arriving into Division 3 South East.

The men’s side will also be playing in the same division for the first time, but the team technically debuted in Division 3 Central last year after a spot became available following a last-minute withdrawal - and they challenged for promotion right out of the gates. 

The club was formed in 1984, but Chelmsford in its’ modern version is dated back to 2021. Andy Firth, former chairperson and a prominent figure in Essex volleyball for over 20 years, drew on his vast experience to establish Chelmsford as a quickly growing club in the South East.

The team even went so far as to set up the Chelmsford Volleyball League (CVL), providing real competition opportunities to local communities and players, as well as a genuine pathway for junior players to learn the sport and develop. 

It also provides a spectacle for local fans to watch the sport, as the league has begun developing its own narratives and stories to establish the top dogs of volleyball in Essex, such as the rise of the Clownfish (a junior team in the CVL), rebranding of struggling teams and more.

The club promotes a “bottom-up” culture, which aims to develop junior pathways and work closely with volunteers and coaches in and around the club to propel itself further - something that current chairperson Joshua Chapman has taken in his stride.

Chelmsford Men

As mentioned, Chelmsford Men’s NVL journey began last year in Division 3 Central, which allowed them to play on the national stage after a team pulled out at the last minute. 

While the team relished the opportunity, it was not without its struggles. Chelmsford’s placement in a different geographical division meant that every fixture was at least a six hour commute - facing teams in Derby, Birmingham, Coventry and more. 

Despite this, they finished 3rd overall in the division, with a squad consisting of experienced grassroots players as well as promising juniors.

As they move into their true geographical division and make their second debut in two seasons, club secretary Adam Davies is confident about their chances against fresh faces.

“Following our success in Central last season, we are targeting a top-three finish.” he said.

“We have an optimistic eye on the playoff and promotion places, but we recognise that the South East division may be a different beast. 

Our main priority is to establish ourselves in the division, continue developing as a team and give ourselves a platform to compete at an even higher level in the future.” said Adam.

Chelmsford Men’s side has two standout players they consider to be influential.

Aayan Syed is the youngest athlete to ever be selected for the England U17 national team, is described as having levels of maturity and skill of players twice his age, an unending desire for development, and also plays as Chelmsford’s setter. The team reckon this will be his breakthrough season.

Jacob Wade compliments the squad through sheer grit and dynamic playstyle, as well as having an extremely strong float serve that likely contributed to Chelmsford’s flight up the table last year. 

Chelmsford Women

Chelmsford Women make up the true NVL rookies out of the two sides - the team arriving to the national stage for the first time in Division 3 South East. 

Before the NVL, the Chelmsford Women’s side found success in the Junior Grand Prix - The Boswells School, whom Chelmsford run their junior programme with, won the U18 Super Series ahead of teams such as Leeds Gorse, Malory Eagles and more.

The team also won the U18 National Cup for the third year in the row, showing that the team are suited to performing under pressure and making deep tournament runs.

Chairperson Joshua Chapman makes clear that they don’t intend to change their winning ways.

“We certainly haven't entered the competition with ambitions of anything less than competing to win and earning promotion as quickly as we can.” he said.

“With the talent, commitment and passion within this group, we want to see how far we can push ourselves. 

“Promotion to National League Division 2 would be a huge step forward for both the Chelmsford and Boswells programmes and would add another level to the pathway we can offer our athletes.” said Joshua.

The club feel they have two key players who will lead Chelmsford’s quest for first-season promotion.

Sarah Yuen acts as a strong leader and defender, and brings a sense of stability to the team. She is expected to be a strong server and help the south eastern club put up an iron wall.

Harriet Lea acts as the opposite - a strong attacker looking to consistently pressure opponents and bring momentum into their side of the court.

Both players have represented England on the international stage as well as representing the Boswells in their National Cup wins, and are expected to be ones to watch.

Outside of the NVL, the team focus on the development of the CVL as well as providing key pathways for junior players to climb the ladder from local leagues to national competition. 

Chelmsford provide volleyball opportunities for more than 110 junior girls from Years 5-11, and see this as their key to elevating their levels of competition. 

“Our motivation is the same as it has always been: to grow the sport of volleyball in and around Chelmsford.” said Adam.

“We want to create an environment where players, young and old, can see a genuine route from grassroots volleyball through to competing at a national level.”

They are also aiming to become the first team to win the U18 Girls National Championship for the fourth year in a row, showing their drive to never be settled with second place.

“The club will be making its coaching, training and playing resources available wherever possible to give the players the best opportunity to make history.” said Adam.

“Our partnership with The Boswells School represent a huge part of what CVC is trying to build: a complete local volleyball ecosystem where someone can start playing the sport, develop, compete and ultimately reach the highest levels of the game without having to leave Chelmsford.”

Chelmsford Men will start their “debut” season in the NVL by facing fellow newcomers Red Eagles Luton and London Brazukas on 4th October - a week later, Chelmsford Women will take on Kent Invicta and Team Essex Ravens on 10th October to kick off their rookie NVL campaign.

You can keep up to date with the NVL here.